Transistor clamp



Nov. 5, 1963 G. M. BUlVlD TRANSISTOR CLAMP Filed March 22, 1961 W /MW m g. w

United States Patent 1961, Ser. No. 97,798 1 Claim.

This invention relates to a clamping device for holding a transistor in its socket.

This clamping device is particularly adapted for use with cylindrical or can type transistors, and provides an eilective means for properly retaining the fragile elemental leads within a transistor socket.

An object of this invention is to provide a transistor clamp of simple design which will apply a constant force to hold a transistor in its socket and also act as a heat sink. It is another object of this invention to provide a single, resilient transistor clamp by which can transistors of varying size may be retained. It is another object of the invention to provide a transistor clamp which will meet the required tests as to vibration and high impact shock, yet be comparatively light in weight and small is physical size. It is yet another object of the invention to provide a clamp which does not have to be taken apart in order to check or change a transistor.

Other objects of this invention, not particularly enumerated in the above, will be understood from the following detailed description of this invention taken in connection with the accompanying drawing.

Referring to the drawing, there is shown a can type transistor 5 being held in place by a clamp Z. The clamp consists of a metallic cross bar 1 which is preferably made of aluminum. A pair of openings, which extend completely through the cross bar, are shown countersunk 4 and internally screw-threaded 6. The upper end of a pair of helically wound coil springs 3 preferably made of stainless eel or an equivalent form of piano wire are shown in threaded engagement with the openings of the cross bar. The end coil iii of each of the springs is bent at an angle of 180 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the spring in order to provide a means by which the springs may be secured to a radio chassis 7. The chassis is described as being used with radio equipment, but this is, of course, illustrative only and such a chassis may be associated with any type of electronic equipment. A screw 9 is shown as the means for securing the end coil in of spring 3 to the chassis 7. Three fragile elemental leads 11 extend through a socket (not shown) in the chassis, and the transistor is held firmly in place by the constant pressure exerted by springs 3 via the cross bar it.

The clamp is assembled by first screwing each spring 3 into the opening provided in the cross bar 1. The extent of the engagement of the springs with the cross bar is governed by the size of the transistor can. Thus, the smaller the transistor size, the further the spring will be screwed into the opening of the cross bar. After the cross bar and springs have been adjusted to the desired tension, the end coils it which are Wound in oppositely threaded relation, are fastened to the chassis '7 by the screws 9. To remove or insert a transistor in the chassis the cross bar is merely moved to one side to provide sufiiclent space for removing or inserting a transistor. The countersink 4 is provided to allow greater flexibility when replacing transistors.

. it is obvious that changes may be made without departing from the spirit of my invention.

What is claimed is:

A clamping device used in combination with a transistor for holding the transistor in place on a radio chassis, said clamping device comprising a rectangular metallic cross bar, said cross bar having a top surface and a base surface with annular screw threaded openings extending there-through, said base surface bearing against the transistor, a pair of coil springs, one end of each of said springs being disposed for threaded engagement with said annular openings to provide adjustment therebetween, said openings on the base surface of said cross bar being countersunk to provide added flexibility for the bending of said springs, the other end of each of said springs being disposed for attachment to said radio chassis, the end coil of each of said springs having a bend with respect to the longitudinal axis of said springs to provide an opening for screw attachment to said chassis, and the end coils of said springs being Wound in oppositely threaded relation to provide a more positive locking attachment to said chassis.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,835,465 Patterson May 20, 1958 FOREIGN PATENTS 415,622 France July 19, 1910 722,221 Great Britain Ian. 19, 1955 776,921 Great Britain July L2, 1957 779,944 Great Britain July 25, 1957 

